M Neelam Kachhap, EH News Bureau
Appaswamy, survived lung cancer to celebrate 100th birthday organised by HealthCare Global Hospital (HCG) in Bangalore.
Appaswamy was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1998. Not wanting to give up on life, Appaswamy consulted doctors at HCG, Bangalore, where he was told that he had stage one lung cancer and suggested the cyberknife treatment. Risk of surgery is high in this age group and hencedoctors choose a less invasive treatment process.
Dr Kumarswamy, Sr Consultant, Radiation Oncologist, HCG said, “Considering his age, the risk of surgery was high. The tumour was present in the upper part of his left lung and it was about 3.8 cm in size.” Dr Nalini Rao, Consultant, Radiation Oncologist, HCG, said, “With a multi disciplinary team approach, we decided to take a curative approach rather than palliation.”
He underwent three sessions of Cyberknife on alternate days from May 24-28, 2011. After three months follow up scan showed a scar tissue. Two years post treatment, he is cancer free.
“Diagnosis of cancer should not rule out the possibility of treatment in elderly patients. Optimal treatment can be given through accessibility to newer technologies like Cyberknife,” said Dr Rao. “Accessibility to advanced technologies, has improved medical outcomes and quality of life,” said Dr Kumarswamy.
His is a case of grit, valor and facing cancer head on to ensure that he leads a qualitative life. Even at the age of 98 he wanted to fight cancer, sought his family support and met the specialist in cancer care. Today, Appaswamy spends time watching cricket, reading novels, newspapers and spending time with his grand children and great grandchildren. His story is one that is emulative for other cancer patient.